Death in Voiron

Add the bitters, chartreuse and St. Germain to a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. Top off with champagne. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Notes:

This is a riff on Death in the Afternoon that I find to be much more approachable, especially for folks who are not fans of absinthe. The sweeter, lower proof and more herbaceous Green Chartreuse is a natural substitute for the absinthe. The St. Germain adds a slight fruity sweetness which is counterbalanced by the citrus laced Boston Bittahs and lemon twist. While Death in Voiron is based on Death in the Afternoon, and certainly has notes of Hemingway’s classic, it stands on it’s own as a much different cocktail. Lighter, sweeter and more refreshing, this one will certainly be more accessible to many while maintaining a nod to the original. Not to knock Hemingway, but this one also looks more appetizing and is sure to impress.

Variations:

If you don’t have these, any lemon or even orange bitters will do (Fee Brothers makes a few that are more widely available and typically run under 10 dollars).

The Boston Bittahs is great, but you could also try Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit bitters or other citrusy bitters to alter the taste.

Luxardo Maraschino liqueur or Domaine de Canton would also be good substitutes for St. Germain to change the flavor of this one, with the Maraschino liqueur bringing it more toward a Last Word flavor and the Domaine de Canton bringing in some ginger spice.